Children’s mental health services at tipping point

October 24, 2018

By: Jenna Rachid

Children’s mental health services at tipping point

Charities, teaching unions, and medical colleges are urging the UK government to invest in young people’s mental health services.

An open letter from the group to Philip Hammond and Theresa May accuse the government of ignoring children in spending plans. The coalition of 120 organisations is now calling on the Chancellor to allocate funds to young people in the budget, the Guardianreports.

The National Audit Officepublished a report earlier this month which concluded that children’s mental health services would not be able to fulfil the growing need, despite promises of extra funding.

Local authorities are supporting the call in the open letter, with Council-run children’s services struggling in the face of a funding gap that is estimated to reach £3 billion by 2025.

Anna Feuchtwang, the chair of the End Child Poverty alliance, said: ‘If austerity is really coming to an end, its high time the government puts its money where its mouth is, and makes a concrete financial commitment to the welfare of children.’

Is comedians’ mental health affected by their work?

Researchers in Cardiff and Stockholm believe that comedians’ working conditions are contributing to poor mental health.

During interviews, comedians admitted that they were often willing to work for little or no money in order to gain favour with comedy club promoters, the BBCreport.

Dr. Russell, a Lecturer at Cardiff Business School and Dr. Nick Butler, an Assistant Professor at Stockholm Business School found that comedians often hide feelings of anxiety and frustration that result from receiving little to no pay.

The research highlighted that few were willing to confront employers about payment, in an effort to maintain favour.

One in five people in Wales affected by loneliness

The Welsh government is tackling loneliness as it becomes a growing threat in the region.

According to ITV News, one in five people in Wales experience loneliness and young people are among the worst affected.

‘As a government, we are committed to securing the best possible health, well-being and quality of life for all people in Wales. Preventing people from becoming lonely and isolated must be a national priority for us, because it will not only improve people’s lives, but it will also help reduce demand for health and social services in the future,’ said the Minister for Social Care, Huw Irranca-Davies.

To tackle the growing issue the Welsh government has proposed early intervention, focusing on key areas such as employability and mental health.